What Torah Can Do For Us, Part 4: How Torah Reveals God, Points to Yeshua, and Strengthens the Redeemed
In this fourth installment of What Torah Can and Cannot Do for Us, we examine what Torah does for the redeemed believer. Beloved, Torah does not save us, justify us, or redeem us apart from the finished work of Yeshua Messiah. Redemption belongs to Yeshua alone. But Torah remains indispensable to the life of the disciple because it is Yah’s loving instruction in righteousness for His redeemed people.
This teaching explores how Torah reveals essential aspects of Yehovah’s person and character—His holiness, His righteousness, His order, His ways, and His will. While Torah does not present the full revelation of the Father apart from Messiah, it does show us who He is in ways that are foundational to covenant life. And through Yeshua’s witness that “the one who has seen Me has seen the Father,” we are given a fuller and more intimate view of the heart of Yah. Relevant references cited in this discussion include Hebrews 1:1; John 14:9; Isaiah 55; Jeremiah 29:11; Genesis 6:1–7; Genesis 11:1–9; Deuteronomy 32:7–9; and 1 Enoch 1–36.
We also examine the edifying role of Torah in the life of the believer. Drawing from Shaul’s words to Timothy, this installment emphasizes that the holy Scriptures—Torah, the Prophets, and the Writings—are able to make us wise unto salvation through faith in Yeshua Messiah. Torah is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, and for instruction in righteousness, that the man or woman of Elohim may be thoroughly furnished unto every good work. This teaching further highlights the reality that when Shaul wrote these words, the apostolic writings were still being circulated, which means he was affirming the value and ongoing relevance of the Tanach as the foundational Scriptures for the redeemed. Relevant references cited in this discussion include 2 Timothy 3:14–17; 2 Timothy 1:5; 1 Timothy 4:13; Romans 15:4; and Jude 4.
Additionally, this discussion shows how Torah points us to Yeshua Messiah. Torah reveals Yah’s standards, exposes our shortcomings, and demonstrates our desperate need for a once-and-for-all Savior. Torah does not compete with Messiah, nor does Messiah nullify Torah. Rather, Torah leads us to Messiah, and Messiah teaches us how Torah is to be walked out in spirit and in truth through the power of the Ruach HaKodesh. The teaching also underscores that Torah served as our schoolmaster until Messiah came, showing us our deficiencies and revealing our need for redemption. Relevant references cited in this discussion include Romans 10:4; Matthew 6:33; 1 John 3:4; and Galatians 3:24.
Another major focus of this installment is Torah’s role in protection, covenant empowerment, and spiritual warfare. We consider the enemy’s role as accuser and adversary, and how transgression of Yah’s Torah opens the door to covenant consequences that may negatively affect the believer’s physical life and walk. Conversely, when we walk steadfastly in covenant faithfulness, Torah helps establish order, protection, and a Kingdom-centered way of living that frustrates the stratagems of the enemy. The teaching also points to Yeshua’s own example in resisting the adversary through the Word of Yah. Relevant references cited in this discussion include Revelation 12:10; 1 Peter 5:8; Deuteronomy 28; Matthew 4:1–11; Leviticus 26:3–9; and John 10:10.
Finally, this installment underscores that Torah grounds the redeemed in truth, nourishes the inner man, lights the path before us, and brings peace, clarity, and stability to the willing soul. Torah helps us discern truth from error, holiness from compromise, and the commandments of Yah from the traditions of men. In a time marked by confusion, deception, and spiritual instability, Torah remains a vital gift to the redeemed who receive it rightly in Messiah. Relevant references cited in this discussion include Ephesians 6 and Psalm 119:105.
If you have wrestled with the relationship between Torah, grace, obedience, covenant, truth, and salvation, this installment will help frame that discussion in a way that is scriptural, balanced, and firmly centered on Yeshua Messiah.
1 Timothy-The Properly Attired Praying Woman-Part-12 of our Paul and Hebrew Roots Series
In this installment of our Paul and Hebrew Roots series, we consider Paul’s instructions regarding properly attired praying woman. We explore the significance of prayer in the early Church and the fact that Paul sought to use prayer as one of his first tactics against the scourge of early Gnosticism that had infiltrated the Ephesian assemblies of Messianic Believers. And we find clearly layed out in 1 Timothy that Paul advocated women leading worship and corporate prayer in the assemblies. Shalom and welcome.
First Timothy-Paul’s War Strategy Against Gnosticism-Part-11 of the Paul and Hebrew Roots Series
“As I counseled you when I was leaving Macedonia, stay on in Ephesus, so that you may order certain people who are teaching a different doctrine to stop. Have them stop devoting their attention to myths and never-ending genealogies; these divert people to speculating...
Let the Woman Learn in Silence-The Problem With First Timothy-Part 10 of the Paul and Hebrew Roots Series
1 Timothy 2:9-15 has been used by churchianity for years to prohibit women of Faith from doing what they were called to do. In this 10th installment of our Paul and Hebrew Roots series we dispel this false practice and understanding by examining the Truth of what Paul was truly saying in his letter to Timothy.
Phineas’ Covenant of Peace—Our Road Map to Peace in Messiah—Reflections on Torah Portion Pinchas
Peace is the birthright of every disciple of Y’shua Messiah. Yet so many of us lack true peace in our lives. What if I tell you that this week’s Torah Portion Pinchas provides a road map to peace in Messiah? Would you be interested? Come and let us reason together in the Word of our Elohim. Shalom and welcome.
Social Media and Hebrew Roots-A Warning to Discern Who’s Who in the Social Media Zoo
Most of us who are members of the True Faith Once Delivered, have one or more social media accounts. Many of us share our Faith convictions and or even minister on these platforms. But Social Media, like Hebrew Roots, can be likened to the Americana images of the...
A Little Balaam in Each of Us–Reflections on Torah Portion Balak
Can the character and principles of the prophet for profit Balaam be found in each of us. You may be surprised at what Scripture has to say about that. Welcome to The Messianic Torah observer and our reflections on Torah Portion Balak. Shalom and welcome.
Pray For The Peace of Jerusalem-Part 3 of the Love or Hate Israel Series
What does it mean to pray for the peace of Israel? We discuss also Israel in terms of her covenant-relation with God as well as her significance in end times prophecy.
Rebels in the Congregation-Reflections on Torah Portion Korah
As we examine Torah Portion Korah we learn about the potentially rebellious condition of our hearts; the importance of living holy lives; and the dangers of false teachers and their teachings to the Body of Messiah.
One Law For All–Reflections on Torah Portion Shelach Lekha
The Giver of Torah-YHVH-clearly stated that Torah was for all who would attach themselves to the commonwealth of Israel and live according to the Way He prescribed for men and women to live. Yet many within and without our Faith Community teach otherwise--that Torah...
Messianics—Modern Day Levites—Separated for Service to God—Thoughts and Reflections on Torah Portion Behaalosecha
This week’s Torah Portion-Behaalosecha-foreshadows a great many spiritual elements necessary for our service to the Kingdom of God. In a sense we are modern day Levites. We have been separated from all the nations people of the world unto God for His service. Are we up for the challenge? This is a wake-up call to the Body of Messiah to take immediate action.